Patty Jenkins' "Wonder Woman" was a mega-hit worldwide and the most successful live-action film ever directed by a woman. (Dec. 14)
AP

Director Patty Jenkins, left, and actress Gal Gadot arrive at the premiere of “Wonder Woman” in Los Angeles last May. Both will be return for the sequel, set for 2019.(Photo: Sthanlee B. Mirador/Tribune News Service)

The Golden Globes may have overlooked the directorial power of Patty Jenkins and Greta Gerwig, but Variety has not.

The entertainment industry magazine will honor these two women, among other directors, on Jan. 3 during an intimate brunch at the Parker Palm Springs, during the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

Patty Jenkins will receive the Creative Impact in Directing Award from Variety for her body of work which includes “Monster,” her first feature in 2003, to this summer’s blockbuster “Wonder Woman.” She is the first female director to receive this honor.

“Patty Jenkins has directed one of the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful films of the year with 'Wonder Woman',” said Variety Co-Editor in Chief, Claudia Eller in a prepared statement.

“The film grossed $820 million worldwide and has inspired women—and men—old and young, to feel as empowered as the superhero at its center. Patty also scored a big one for female directors, which are in short supply in Hollywood.”

Gal Gadot, star of “Wonder Woman” will present Jenkins with the award. Gadot will receive the Rising Star Award at the film festival’s Film Awards Gala the night prior.

Gerwig will be honored at the brunch as one of “10 Directors to Watch” for her directorial debut “Lady Bird.” The awards program serves to shine a spotlight on “exciting new talents in the fields of directing, writing, producing, acting, cinematography and comedy.”

The film festival which runs Jan. 2-15 will screen “Bodied,” “Custody” and “Foxtrot.”

Previous “10 Directors to Watch” honorees have included Ben Affleck for “Gone Baby Gone,” Wes Anderson for “Bottle Rocket,” Ava DuVernay for “Selma,” Barry Jenkins for “Moonlight,” and Christopher Nolan for “Memento” among many others.

"As always, we're thrilled to work with Variety on their 10 Directors to Watch brunch,” said Michael Lerman, PSIFF Artistic Director in a prepared statement.

“It's been a fantastic time for up-and-comers, as evidenced by both this list and our particularly strong 2018 New Voices New Visions section, and we're excited to play a role in celebrating that work."

Xochitl Peña is the Vibe & Style Columnist at The Desert Sun and can be reached at xochitl.pena@thedesertsun.com or at (760) 778-4647.